The establishment of the ranch devoured a staggering 3,700 US dollars. Subsequent expenses for renting and renovating properties in Strawberry, Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes also piled up considerably. The Strawberry shop alone cost 200 US dollars to purchase, plus a hefty 50 US dollars for renovations. Ms. Dorothea, after all, was merely facilitating connections and assisting Dutch in setting up the shops, not directly waiving the costs.
The Strawberry shop remained the cheapest acquisition, its security a secondary concern for now. Strawberry, due to its remote location and small size, was never intended to be Dutch's primary base. Its future development was weak, and therefore, not a priority.
To be honest, Rhodes was currently the town that pleased Dutch the most. Its proximity to Saint Denis and the docks, coupled with relatively developed railway transport, made it ideal. The town's atmosphere was far more agreeable than Valentine's rustic, livestock-laden environment. However, the powerful Gray Family and that old hag's family in Rhodes were, for now, untouchable. The Grays, deeply entrenched and wielding significant official power, would undoubtedly prove troublesome later. Provoking them now would be foolish. The old hag's moonshine enterprise, intertwined with Bronte in Saint Denis, also precluded any immediate action. Bronte represented the formidable Italian Mafia, deeply rooted in the area for years. A move against him now could spark unforeseen conflict with the syndicate.
Of course, this restraint was purely for the Van der Linde Gang, who sought to avoid trouble for the time being. Furthermore, in the original narrative, a significant reason the Pinkerton Detectives later operated with such impunity in Saint Denis was likely due to Dutch's brazen disregard for established rules, directly ambushing and killing Bronte. In a sprawling city like Saint Denis, everyone adhered to a brutal, unspoken code. Conflicts, open and covert, and even gunfights, were common. But no matter how fiercely they fought, killed, or struggled, the rule was simple: you kill some of my men, I kill some of yours. No one targeted the boss. This was especially true for the Italian Mafia's code. Send a team to intimidate, seize territory, confiscate goods, kill a few men—all acceptable, all part of the game, unspoken rules that allowed everyone to continue making money.
But one unforgivable transgression: never, ever go to someone's home and violently assassinate their leader! If that became the norm, who could continue to play? Everyone would resort to targeted killings. If you weren't on good terms with someone today, you'd simply murder them tonight. What kind of game would that be? Just kill everyone, and then you'd be the sole boss, wouldn't you?
This was the fundamental chasm between reckless outlaws and those who abided by the rules. Even in the end, Bronte never anticipated Dutch's audacity to kill him. This, too, was a reason why the Pinkerton Detectives later gained such extensive law enforcement power in Saint Denis.
We are all civilized individuals at the apex of society, engaged in a nuanced struggle. You, a mere outlaw, brazenly murder someone's boss. Who, then, should they target if not you? Therefore, Dutch believed it was paramount to maintain a low profile before fully establishing his arms business. They absolutely could not attract the attention of the Pinkerton, a violent organization, again.
For now, opening a clothing store in Rhodes, generating profit, and aligning with the women's rights movement was the most optimal outcome. As for whether this clothing store would become a target for the two local, bullying families, there was absolutely no need for concern. Based on the game's content, the women's rights assembly in Rhodes had to possess influential backing, likely spearheaded by a group of noblewomen led by Dorothea. Otherwise, given the Gray Family's archaic and domineering nature, those women would have been thrown into prison long ago.
Now, Dutch's clothing store, operating under the banner of women's rights and implicitly protected by Ms. Dorothea and her powerful associates, would undoubtedly secure a respected position in Rhodes. This was the undeniable advantage of powerful backing; their influence would serve as a formidable shield for Dutch's burgeoning empire.
The trio rode their horses into Valentine. The clothing store there was already undergoing renovations. Dutch, flush with funds, and Ms. Dorothea, rich in connections, had secured the absolute best location for the shop: directly opposite Valentine's largest saloon.
Adjacent to the clothing store stood the Valentine Bank, ensuring that any noblewoman who withdrew money would immediately glimpse the exquisite garments displayed in Dutch's establishment. And not far opposite the clothing store, next to the saloon, stood the Valentine Police Station. At this very moment, two police officers stood before the renovating clothing store, rifles held casually, idly chatting.
Clearly, Sheriff Malloy held the clothing store's security in the highest regard, even conducting his own patrols periodically. No wonder—the Senator's wife was too tempting a prize!
Across from the clothing store, nestled beside the saloon, a new sign hung above the entrance of a small house: "Veteran Club." Below the sign, bold words were etched into the door: "Veteran Club, exclusively for veterans. Here, you will receive free coffee and food." Even before Dutch and the others approached, lively conversations spilled out from within.
"Sir!"
Just as Dutch, Arthur, and Hosea slowly neared the Veteran Club on horseback, the two police officers standing guard outside the clothing store spotted them. They immediately shouted, then quickly rushed over.
"Oh, gentlemen, hello!" The two officers swiftly took hold of the reins of Dutch's, Arthur's, and Hosea's horses, leading them to be tied to a nearby hitching post. Afterwards, they stood aside, expressions fawning, like obedient subordinates.
Hosea and Arthur were utterly bewildered, their minds reeling. Huh? When did we acquire such immense influence in this town? Even police officers are actively stepping forward to hold our horses?
While the two remained in shock, Dutch smiled and nodded, then dismounted. "Oh, hello gentlemen, another pleasant day, isn't it? By the way, this Veteran Club is also my property. I believe you gentlemen are welcome to come in and enjoy a free drink to relax when you have a moment." Dutch's casual invitation thrilled the two officers.
"Oh, sir, you are as generous as Jesus himself!" The officers were overjoyed. Their meager wages barely sustained their households, and normally, they had to pinch every penny to afford a single drink. They never dreamed that simply holding a horse would guarantee them free drinks indefinitely. This respectable gentleman truly was respectable.
"Alright, John," Dutch called out, "perhaps you can go in and bring some drinks to these two gentlemen. Also, inform Strauss that Valentine's police officers also qualify for veteran benefits. I believe their diligent protection of the public deserves such an honor."
"Okay, Arthur." Arthur nodded, a small smile on his face. He patted the two police officers on the shoulders, then walked into the club.